Cable Gloves - Free Pattern Here :o)

Design: Chunky Cabled Fingerless Mitts:
Pattern: Available below, I adapted it from a number of sources
Yarn: Stylecraft Life Chunky, in cream
Needles: 4mm double pointed

These were a Christmas gift to my sister. I had originally planned to make her some plain mitts with a different yarn I'd picked up, to go with her new red coat, but on knitting, I decided they really weren't her style, and went with something a little more classic.

I had to work with a number of patterns, as none were exactly right - many 'handwarmer' patterns seem to me to be very short in the wrist and/or the palm, or some were too big - a family trait for the entire family, whether blood or married in, are small hands. So, I came up with this pattern and I've made myself a pair too, in a different yarn, as well as the plain version.

Edited to add: If you feel so inclined, a donation to the MS Trust for this pattern would be appreciated. Pennies will do - and you can make payment via the link in my sidebar or by clicking here.

Chunky Cabled Fingerless Mitts

You will need:

• about 60/70g of chunky yarn - I've used the James Brett Marble Chunky and Stylecraft Chunky with good results
• 4 double pointed needles - I use 4mm BUT I do knit loosely, and I have small hands. I would suggest 4.5mm or 5mm (the pattern I have adapted these from used US Size 8, which are equivalent to 5mm)
• a cable needle
  
• a small spare needle (a V shaped cable needle is ideal) or some waste yarn

Abbreviations:

K = knit
P = purl
M1 = make one by picking up the loop between stitches and twisting it as you knit
C6F = cable 6 forward (slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold in front of work, K3 then K3 from cable needle)

Left Hand:

Cast on 30 stitches and distribute evenly across 3 needles. I use a cable cast on, to give a little elasticity. Join without twisting.

Rows 1-10: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Rows 11-16: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 17: K10, P2, C6F, P2, K10
Rows 18-22: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 23: K4, M1, K2, M1, K4, P2, C6F, P2, K10 (this is the start of the thumb gusset)
Row 24: K12, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 25: K4, M1, K4, M1, K4, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 26: K14, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 27: K4, M1, K6, M1, K6, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 28: K16, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 29: K4, M1, K8, M1, K4, P2, C6F, P2, K10
Row 30: K18, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 31: K4, M1, K10, M1, K4, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 32: K5, move 10 stitches to waste yarn or spare needle, K5, P2, K6, P2, K10
Rows 33-34: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Row 35: K10, P2, C6F, P2, K10
Row 36-37: K10, P2, K6, P2, K10
Rows 38-43: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Cast off. I cast off knitwise, but you may want to cast off in rib.

Thumb: Join in yarn. K5 stitches onto one DPN, and K5 onto another. With third needle, pick up and K 4 stitches evenly across the gap (14 stitches). K2 rounds. Work 2 rounds in K1, P1 rib then cast off. Try the mitt on, because you can darn your ends in and tighten up the thumb gusset M1s at the same time if holes appear and you need to :o)

Right hand:

Cast on 30 stitches and distribute evenly across 3 needles.

Rows 1-10: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Rows 11-16: P2, K6, P2, K20
Row 17: P2, C6F, P2, K20
Rows 18-22: P2, K6, P2, K20
Row 23: P2, C6F, P2, K4, M1, K2, M1, K14 (this is the start of the thumb gusset)
Row 24: P2, K6, P2, K22
Row 25: P2, K6, P2, K4, M1, K4, M1, K14
Row 26: P2, K6, P2, K24
Row 27: P2, K6, P2, K4, M1, K6, M1, K14
Row 28: P2, K6, P2, K26
Row 29: P2, C6F, P2, K4, M1, K8, M1, K14
Row 30: P2, K6, P2, K28
Row 31: P2, K6, P2, K4, M1, K10, M1, K14
Row 32: P2, K6, P2, K5, move 10 stitches to waste yarn or spare needle, K15
Rows 33-34: P2, K6, P2, K20
Row 35: P2, C6F, P2, K20
Row 36-37: P2, K6, P2, K20
Rows 38-43: *K1, P1 repeat from * to end
Cast off.

Thumb: Work as for left hand.

This pattern is offered for personal, non-commercial use only. Items made from this pattern may be sold on a small scale basis such as on Etsy or at craft sales. Sales for charity are positively encouraged! This pattern and the text and photos contained within, may not be copied or reproduced for any purpose other than personal use. Please direct people to this blog rather than forwarding the pattern, thank you! Copyright 2009 N M Wray